Blog Posts and Lists

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Reach for the Stars: The International Year of Astronomy 2009

In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first use of a telescope, this year has been declared the International Year of Astronomy. Resources for parents and teachers about IYA2009 can be found here. People around the world are participating in a number of ways, so let’s join in the fun:

See a Comet!Next week around February 24th is the easiest time to view Comet Lulin, visible with binoculars if conditions permit. For more details and to download a printable comet finder chart, visit this Sky and Telescope page.

Go to a Star Party!One of the worldwide events is 100 Hours of Astronomy, which is scheduled to take place from April 2-5 2009. To find events in your area or to add your star party, check the 100HA blog (click on Find Events.)

Browse Fantastic Images!From Earth to the Universe has an image gallery of the Solar System, stars, nebulae, the galaxies and beyond. Look under For Visitors, then Tour the Images. The page of thumbnails takes a while to load, but it’s worth it. Click on EN (English), FR (French) or SP (Spanish) to see a larger view with caption.

Explore NASA’s Resources!Here are links such as Sun-Earth Day vodcasts to celebrate the Spring Equinox; “Are We Alone?” podcasts; a MicroObservatory with robotic telescopes that you can control; and much more.

And... Read a Book!

Galileo’s Journal 1609–1610Ages 8-12, 32 pages, 2006This fictional journal gives a glimpse into the real life of Galileo, who worked diligently to improve the telescope and realized the Earth must revolve around the Sun.

A biography of America's first woman astronomer, who was born in 1818 on Nantucket, discovered a comet, and became a professor at Vassar.

Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar Systemby Kathleen V. Kudlinski, illustrated by John RoccoAges 6-9, 32 pages, 2008

A humorous look at past mistaken ideas about the solar system and how they were disproven by advances in science and technology.

The Kids Book of the Night Skyby Ann Love and Jane Drake, illustrated by Heather CollinsAges 9-12, 144 pages, 2004

A compendium of facts, myths, legends, jokes, and activities throughout the year for young sky watchers.

A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations - and How You Can Find Them in the Sky by Michael Driscoll, illustrated by Meredith Hamiltonages 9 and up, 96 pages, 2004

A tour of the universe with constellations, sky maps, and authentic space photos plus a running glossary, star wheel guide and stickers.

There Once Was a Sky Full of Starsby Bob Crelin, illustrated by Amie ZinerAges 8-12, 34 pages, 2007

Aims to help readers learn about the wonders of the night sky as well as the problem of light pollution.

I.N.K.: Interesting Nonfiction for Kids

Here we will meet the writers whose words are presenting nonfiction in a whole new way. Discover books that show how nonfiction writers are some of the best storytellers around. Learn how these writers practice their craft: research techniques, fact gathering and detective work. Check out how they find unusual tidbits, make the facts interesting and write something kids will love to read. Explore how photos and illustrations are integrated with the text to explain an artist's vision of the world. Consider what subjects are flooding the market and what still needs a voice. Rethink nonfiction for kids.